On Call Work Takes a Serious Toll on Retail Workers

On top of the straightforward financial difficulty associated with retail pay, workers also face another problem that can have a serious effect: the psychological effects caused by uneven work schedules, often linked with on call work.

For years, research has suggested that on call work can be severely taxing on workers. It can be difficult to make it to work on time when a worker is suddenly called in—and, if a worker is always ready to come in to work at the drop of a hat, they may never be able to truly relax. Plus, on call shifts lack stable schedules that offer a steady amount to be expected per paycheck.

Retail employees often work part time. Many who work part time try to juggle other part-time jobs as well, but being on call for one job makes fitting in hours for any other job even more difficult.

One on call worker, a single mother who worked retail in the Bay Area, spoke to The Washington Post about the erratic nature of her on call work. The worker—who went by Stacey in the Post article—would in some weeks get 20 hours of work, and in others only 4. Her schedule could not be relied upon to provide a steady paycheck.

Added to this instability of work and therefore finances are the serious issues of psychological stress, poor sleep, and unhappiness. Family life is greatly affected by unstable work schedules.

According to a survey of tens of thousands of workers, a study called The Shift Project found that a huge percentage of workers get very little notice of their weekly schedules, which can make it difficult or even impossible to plan things like child care, family meals, and other necessary things for taking care of a family. Indeed, 16 percent of workers surveyed reported receiving less than 72 hours’ notice of their upcoming schedule.

The extent of the psychological effects of on call work are being discovered, and some states have taken steps to combat these issues. In Oregon, legislation has been passed to make it so that workers for most Oregon retail, hospitality, and food service jobs in Oregon are entitled to receive an in-writing work schedule at least seven days in advance.

In California, a recent Court of Appeals decision found that on call work may violate current California wage and hour laws, and that workers scheduled for these kinds of shifts may be entitled to receive compensation for calling in, even if they don’t report to the store physically.

Filing An On Call Work Lawsuit

If you work in California or Oregon and your schedule has involved on call or call in shifts, you may be entitled to compensation for violations of your right to fair pay. Litigation can be daunting, so Top Class Actions has connected you with an experienced wage and hour attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a Free On-Call Shift Lawsuit Investigation

If you work or are scheduled for on-call shifts in retail or fast food in Oregon or California, you may qualify for this on-call worker class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.